Electrical Question
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6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 11
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From: DEWitt, IA
Electrical Question
When the starter button is pressed a relay cuts power to all the accessories so all the available battery power goes to the starter. I would like to find a power source that remains powered when the starter button is pressed.
I have a SENA bluetooth transmitter connected to my Boom GTS audio system. When I turn on the ignition it connects to my helmet but when I hit the starter the power blinks and it often loses connection. I just have to press the button on the SENA but it's inconvenient. I would rather use a power source that is not effected by the starter.
Thanks...
I have a SENA bluetooth transmitter connected to my Boom GTS audio system. When I turn on the ignition it connects to my helmet but when I hit the starter the power blinks and it often loses connection. I just have to press the button on the SENA but it's inconvenient. I would rather use a power source that is not effected by the starter.
Thanks...
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Isn't one of the main advantages to having a SENA because there are no wires connected to the bike? It uses batteries, right, and isn't it bluetoothed to the bike? How is having a constant power source going to solve the issue? The other issue is the Boom! system is momentarily interrupted when the bike is starting. I think that's where the bluetooth is disrupted, which is causing the loss of connection. Am I way off base on my interpretation of how the system works?
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6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 11
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From: DEWitt, IA
Isn't one of the main advantages to having a SENA because there are no wires connected to the bike? It uses batteries, right, and isn't it bluetoothed to the bike? How is having a constant power source going to solve the issue? The other issue is the Boom! system is momentarily interrupted when the bike is starting. I think that's where the bluetooth is disrupted, which is causing the loss of connection. Am I way off base on my interpretation of how the system works?
This is the SENA Freewire. The Harley Boom GTS is not "Bluetooth ready" Harley wants you to use the Harley "WIM" (wireless interface module) But the Harley WIM only works with Harley headsets. I do not want an ugly sail causing wind noise and buffeting stuck to the side my helmet. I use a Schubetrth C4 Pro that has the bluetooth headset built into the helmet. The SENA Freewire is designed for Harley and plugs into the Harley 7 pin din headset connector (optional) connected to the BOOM audio. You can then pair any Bluetooth headset to the Harley Boom Audio and have the same full features a Harley headset has.
The Freewire can be mounted on the handlebars and plugged into the cigarette lighter outlet but I installed the Din connector and a aux power outlet inside the fairing then mounted the Freewire on the lower dash. The wires just slip under the unit into the fairing but I can unplug and remove the unit for security. When you power the unit it turns on, when the power shuts off it does too. That is my issue. When you use the starter the unit goes on and off and for some reason that disconnects the bluetooth and I have to press the button to re connect. If I could avoid the power dip and disconnect I could probably hide the freeware under the fairing.
I think I also did not like the fact that Harley teamed up with SENA to make the Harley WIM then they charge $300 and $150 to install it (15 minutes) then Harley had SENA program a codec in the unit so it only works 100% with Harley branded (another $300+) headsets. With others the bike to bike intercom is blocked, the audio is in mono, reduced volume, and sounds like crap.
Last edited by RFP52; Sep 17, 2019 at 11:30 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2015
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From: Georgia
Even if you find a constant power source you may still encounter the same thing. The draw the starter places on the battery will pull the voltage low enough to disrupt some electronics. That effect is worse the older a battery gets.
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6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2019
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From: DEWitt, IA
The SENA only requires 5V and minimum amps to operate. It should be fine.
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Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Sep 17, 2019 at 04:41 PM.
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2019
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From: DEWitt, IA
I am thinking with the Rushmore Models what I want may not exist. In the older bikes there was aux power, battery power, and power that bypassed the starter relay. I think this is all Can-Bus regulated in the Rushmores. A few LEDs do not shut off with the starter but they are going to be low voltage from the computer. I could probably make something to maintain power with a Relay and a rechargeable battery but pushing a button isn't exactly that difficult. LOL
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6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2019
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From: DEWitt, IA
For years it has been the norm on all Harleys and most motorcycles. When the starter button is pressed the starter relay opens on the aux power side and closes on the starter side so there is no additional draw on the battery during starting and the N.O. starter contacts send all the available amperage to the starter for maximum torque. When released the N.C. Aux power contacts close and power all the motorcycle lights and accessories.
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From: Bedford UK
With the lengthy catalogue of things you describe as being wrong with the H-D wireless system and the considerable savings you have made with your chosen setup, I reckon pressing a simple button is a price worth paying! 
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6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2019
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From: DEWitt, IA
YEP...LOL
It is really more that I would like to hide the freeware more. I originally had it just under the fairing switch panel, reachable but not easily. I had to move it to an easily accessible location.